Pune, 21 Nov ( The Press Watch) – Maharashtra state bagged the National Sports Championship in the ‘Open National Sports Championship’ tournament organised by Government certified Indian Sports Association (ISA). In which the State athletes won 59 gold, 63 silver and 14 bronze medals to win a total tally of 136 medals and lift the overall championship trophy.
Tamil Nadu athletes won 119 medals to finish first runner-ups with 56 gold, 53 silver and 10 bronze medals. The championship was conducted in various age categories including 14, 17, 19, 22 and 25 at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi.
In this championship, competitions in various sports disciplines including athletics, kabaddi, roller skating, wrestling, taekwondo, karate, kho-kho, boxing, volleyball, basketball, baseball, badminton, Wushu among other 12 segments was conducted. In which total of 250 athletes from the country participated.
Apart from Maharashtra, Karnatak, Hariyana, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, Telangana, West Bengal and Assam were the states who participated.
The prize distribution was held at the hands of minister of state Dr Gurumukh Jagwani. During which vice-president of ISA, Kamal Malkani and treasurer and chief organiser Suresh Hemnani, public relations officer Jaydev Dembra, Vinod Meghani, Rajiv Dhalvani, principal of Jai Hind High School Jyoti Malkanio among others were present.
Dr Gurumukh Jagwani said, “This platform is perfect for athletes from across the country who want to showcase their talent. The ISA must make an effort to spot talented athletes from such tournaments and also train, support and guide them. The athletes should be encouraged by organising such events from district level to national level. Athletes with a poor financial background will get all the possible support from all of us.”
The National Open Championship was organised to encourage athletes of all backgrounds. The athletes who have performed well at this championship will be given opportunities to participate in state, national and international levels. the ISA will also try to provide financial help and training wherever possible, said organiser Suresh Hemnani.
